How can sustainable resource management directly support local communities? Through Ards & North Down Borough Council’s Winter Coat Project 2025/26, the Council partnered with local charities Orchardville and Redeeming Our Communities Northern Ireland to rehome 300 coats. By using leisure centres for drop-offs and hosting pop-ups near transport hubs, the initiative kept warm clothing in local circulation while diverting quality textiles from waste. Remaining garments were donated to St Vincent de Paul and The Warehouse, Newtownards. This initiative is just one of a whole host of valuable case studies featured on our website – all real-life examples of the circular economy at work delivering measurable environmental and social impact across Northern Ireland. Inspired! Read the full story and explore a library of other circular council case studies on the NIRN WEBSITE.
